Sakura did her best to appear unbothered while following her temporary handmaid, a scary woman named Konan, downstairs toward the dining hall for breakfast.
Ino had packed her new dresses for this trip, but they weren't in the room when the pinkette awoke. She asked Konan about it, but all she said was that the king had selected a wardrobe for her to use during the stay. Just like the dress Sakura hadn't liked while trying on clothes for the royal family's tailor, the back was low on every single one. She politely requested a shawl or something to cover her bare skin but was refused. Konan at least heeded her request to leave her hair loose down her back so it wouldn't be noticeable.
'This maid didn't say or do anything to hurt me, but I feel really uncomfortable around her for some reason.'
"Ah, you look beautiful, Niece! I knew a lady of the Haruno family would compliment any dress wonderfully," the king kissed Sakura's hand before gesturing for her to sit beside Sasuke at the large dining table.
She felt her face warm. Awkwardly, she crossed the room, sparing her fiance a glance when he rose to pull out the chair for her. He still seemed upset, but not as much as he had during the past week.
Breakfast was served, but the pinkette found it hard to eat when it felt like her every move was being scrutinized. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she tried to ignore the discomfort and failed.
The king was overly friendly with her from the moment they met. It wasn't that she was ungrateful to him for being so welcoming; it was just that she wasn't used to such behavior. She didn't know how to react and feared she'd accidentally say or do the wrong thing and insult him. The last thing she wanted to do was misrepresent her family and Sasuke.
'I don't belong in a place like this. I'm an illegitimate daughter, of all things! Does the king know? Will he cancel the wedding if he finds out?'
Sakura's spine straightened as she snapped out of her anxious stupor. A warm hand had landed atop hers on her lap. She looked at Sasuke in surprise, and he squeezed, a reassuring glint ever so subtly warming his gaze. If she hadn't been searching for it, she would've missed it and assumed he was only glaring again.
She nervously returned the squeeze, a grateful smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. Sasuke released her hand when the king suddenly spoke, breaking the silence of the room, "You two must be excited about your engagement party this evening."
Sasuke nodded with a frown, his voice serious and cold, "Thank you for organizing this for us, Uncle. You have our gratitude."
Even though she was unstudied in most things pertaining to human interaction due to her lack of experience with the outside world, Sakura could tell Sasuke was tense and cautious in regard to the king and maybe the first prince, too. She mentally noted to follow in his footsteps so as to not cause problems.
"Of course, Nephew! I've waited years for your letter confirming a match had been made with one of the marriage candidates I selected," Madara's dark eyes flickered onto Sakura, his smile widening when her face turned a pretty shade of pink, "I must say your appearances are as different as day and night but somehow still suit one another. Wouldn't you agree, Itachi?"
The first prince nodded politely, "Yes. They're a very handsome couple, Uncle. You've outdone yourself."
After breakfast, Sasuke attempted to get Sakura alone so they could speak about the man with yellow eyes, but the king stopped them before they could exit the dining room. "Sasuke, your brother will take you to prepare for this evening. Leave the princess in my hands. I'll take good care of her in your absence."
Sakura's eyes widened when Sasuke took her hands and regarded her with a frown, "My Lord…."
He glanced at his family members before turning so his back faced them. Her warm face became hot when he uncharacteristically leaned in to press a chaste kiss to her cheek, whispering into her ear while there, "Be cautious. I'll come to you as soon as I can." When he pulled back and searched her face, she nodded, awestruck. He gave her hands one last squeeze before following his elder brother out of the room, leaving her with the king.
King Madara offered Sakura his arm, "Shall we take a stroll?"
She bowed before accepting it. It was difficult to keep her body from nervously trembling, so he surely noticed, but he said nothing. The pair walked in silence for a while before they exited the building and entered a massive, intricate, and beautiful garden.
Sakura was suddenly struck with a sense of deja vu. She glanced around, trying desperately to figure out why it felt as though this wasn't her first time seeing it.
"Would you like to sit and rest for a moment?"
Sakura nodded, allowing the king to guide her to a nearby bench, where they sat side-by-side. Her gaze landed on a row of rose bushes across the walkway, where dark blue flowers bloomed. Her brow furrowed as she continued to fail in jogging her memory.
"Is there something on your mind?"
The woman jumped slightly, having forgotten Konoha's ruler was at her side. She blushed, glancing his way before nodding and averting her eyes back to the roses, "I feel as though I've seen beautiful blue roses like these somewhere before, but I'm having trouble recalling where."
"..."
When the king didn't respond, Sakura looked at him again, only to have her blood run cold when he was staring intently at her face, "Your Highness?"
Just like that, his serious expression returned to the friendly one from before, and he tilted his head, "You know, I was just thinking it's rare to meet someone with naturally pink hair. It suits you quite well."
She blushed, lowering her gaze bashfully, "You're too kind."
"Your siblings all have red hair, if I correctly recall?"
"Yes, that is true." 'He seems very interested in my physical appearance. I think it'd be rude to ask the reason why.'
"I see," King Madara searched her face calmly, "And is this your first time visiting the palace? I know Baron Haruno has attended dozens of banquets and balls."
Sakura's pulse quickened. She hesitated because if she confirmed that she'd never been here, he might realize there was a reason why and investigate her upbringing. Above all else, she was terrified he'd annul the engagement with Sasuke upon realizing she was an illegitimate child. So, she lied, "I was a very sick child, so I wasn't able to accompany Father to many parties while growing up."
He nodded, "Ah, I understand now. I was concerned my mind was failing because I'd surely not forget a beauty such as yours." He got to his feet and offered his arm again, "Let us continue our stroll. The maids will soon come for you to prepare for the party this evening."
They began walking again, but Sakura felt less comfortable than before.
"So, what are your thoughts on my nephew?"
"He is a respectable and generous man, Your Highness. He has treated me well."
"Pardon me if the topic is unwelcome, but can you explain the nature of your relationship? Seeing The Curse roam free last night without trying to harm anyone was quite a shock."
'Ah, so he wants details on what's happened between the three of us,' Sakura took her time gathering her thoughts, 'Sasuke told me to be cautious. He wouldn't have done that if there was nothing to worry about, so I think I shouldn't tell the king everything.'
"There isn't much I can say. Any agreements The Curse and Lord Sasuke have are between them. I feel it's too personal a matter, so I haven't asked the prince for more information."
King Madara didn't let her completely get away with such a vague response, "You must at least be aware of the condition to rid my nephew of that demon."
"...Yes. I am aware of my fate."
"And you're accepting of things as they are?"
Sakura paused, swallowing nervously before nodding, "Lord Sasuke vowed to try finding alternative ways to break the curse, but if that fails, I'll not resent him." She tried to answer in a way that she thought would please Konoha's ruler, "To die so that a member of the royal family can be healed and thrive would be an honor."
The king chuckled, sighing afterward, "You are a unique young woman, Niece. I'm grateful it's you who is his fiance. I'll leave him in your capable hands."
Soon, Konan and a handful of other maids retrieved Sakura and took her back to the bedroom upstairs to begin the long and tedious preparations needed to get her ready for the engagement party.
By the time they were finished, Sakura hardly recognized herself in the mirror. The dress, which she had no hand in choosing, clung to her humble curves. It was blood red, made of velvet, floor length, and had off-shoulders with a sweetheart neckline. This would be the most form-fitting outfit the pinkette had ever worn, which only proved to make her more nervous.
Her long hair was in romantic curls with some of it pinned back, only to be accented with a thin tiara. No matter how much she protested, Konan and the other ladies insisted she wore it due to her impending title change from lady to princess. Diamond earrings and a necklace were also provided. Sakura's makeup was flawless and professional.
A knock came at the bedroom door, causing the panicking woman to gasp and turn in time to see Sasuke open it. His dark eyes subtly widened when they met hers, and she suddenly felt insecure and self-conscious. They met one another halfway, where she whispered unsteadily, her overwhelmed state clear as day to her fiance, "I-I don't know if I can do this."
Sasuke looked beyond stunning. He wore a black tuxedo with a bowtie that matched her dress. His usually unruly hair was combed back and out of his face.
He offered his arm with an unfamiliar expression on his face, "If you can tame The Curse, you can face the public."
She fanned herself to prevent the tears from overflowing as they left the room and began heading for the ballroom downstairs, "What if I say the wrong thing? I don't want to embarrass you or your family, Lord Sasuke."
The pair stopped near the guards manning the double-door entryway of the ballroom, and the prince faced her fully. Like earlier in the day, he pulled her hands into his and met her gaze straight on. For a moment, it was quiet, and she stared with wide eyes while trembling nervously.
"I'm relying on you to help break my curse, so rely on me when you're feeling unsure."
'My God, he really is a prince,' Sakura's mouth opened slightly as she took in the man's gentle reassurance and handsome appearance. There was something so noble about his demeanor this evening. 'Could it be the party and the clothing getting to me? I can't stop staring at his face.'
Sasuke squeezed her hands and spoke again, this time leaning in slightly to pull her attention from her hectic thoughts, "I'll take the lead tonight. Simply follow my example."
Slowly, Sakura nodded. Her heartbeat slowed enough that she could take a deep breath. The prince fixed her with one last look over before gesturing to the guards so they'd open the doors.
"Now, introducing Prince Sasuke and his new fiance, Lady Sakura Haruno."
Applause met their ears as they stepped into the crowded room. It was so bright and lively that it took a moment for Sakura's eyes and ears to adjust. Without missing a beat, Sasuke guided her hand into the crook of his arm and stepped forward, guiding her along.
'I have to keep my shoulders back and make sure not to trip,' Sakura glanced at the tall man supporting her before blushing and lowering her gaze, 'For him, I have to do everything perfectly.'
The couple was greeted by dozens of strangers in extravagant clothing, each doing little to hide the fact that they wished to be in the good graces of the royal family to benefit their own.
When they made their way to the head of the room where the king and crowned prince were waiting, Madara lifted a hand to silence and still the area. Then, he spoke loudly enough that all could hear, "As the acting ruler of this land, I hereby offer this couple my blessing," he gestured to them, "Nephew."
Sakura faced Sasuke because he suddenly turned her way, pulling away from her hold. She brought a shocked hand to her chest when he knelt down to one knee and offered her a beautiful diamond ring with sapphires accenting the massive gemstone. His dark eyes remained locked on hers the entire time, silently encouraging her not to lose confidence, "I'm declaring my intention to make you a part of my family, Lady Sakura. Will you accept this ring, therefore accepting my offer of marriage?"
'I had no idea this sort of thing would be happening tonight, especially in front of so many people!'
The image before her was like something out of a fairytale book, one she might've read to her youngest sibling before bed years ago. With her hand trembling, she allowed Sasuke to slide the ring onto her fourth finger, "I will."
Applause filled the air once more, and Sakura's face warmed significantly as the second prince rose to his feet. He seemed mildly amused by her bashful reaction, the corner of his lips tugging as though he wanted to smirk or smile but was holding back. She looked at the gorgeous ring on her finger before placing a palm on her cheek in an attempt to cool it.
Together, the couple approached the king and bowed. Madara grinned widely, gesturing for them to raise, "Let us spend the night making wonderful memories we can reminisce about for years to come!" He lifted his glass of champagne, "A toast! To the happy couple! May their love last a lifetime!"
A butler quickly arrived to give Sakura and Sasuke glasses of their own, and then the room lifted their glasses in unison, cheers filling the air. Sakura timidly sipped the bitter drink, stealing a glance at the king, who winked happily. This was her first time attending a party of any kind. It was also her first time trying alcohol.
'I don't care for this taste, but everyone else is drinking it, so I'll just have to force it down. It'd be rude to complain when they prepared all of this for us.'
"We have to be the first to dance," Sasuke muttered where only she could hear.
She swallowed hard, "D-Dance? But we've never practiced."
Sasuke took her drink, handed both his and hers to the butler, and guided her to the center of the ballroom floor. The nearby orchestra began playing a slow waltz. Sakura searched Sasuke's face with wide, terrified eyes but allowed him to manipulate her body to the necessary position. Her palm rested on his shoulder while he held her other hand in his. Then, as naturally as breathing, they were dancing. Their moves flowed like a calm river.
'He's completely taking the lead, just like he said,' Sakura thought, acutely aware of his body pressed against hers so she could feel how he'd like her to move.
One by one, other couples joined them on the dance floor, and it became easier to breathe since everyone wasn't simply standing around staring at them. Sakura whispered, her gaze wandering away from her fiance's face because his beauty was overwhelming to behold unyieldingly for long periods of time without losing one's composure, "You're quite good at this, Lord Sasuke. You must've taken lessons as a child, correct?"
"Yes," the man said, "Though it's been years since I've had any practice."
The pair experienced a brief hiccup in their dance when Sakura misstepped, accidentally stepping on his toe. She blushed, lowering her face, "I'm so sorry. I would've studied if I'd known we were expected to dance."
"No one is expecting you to be perfect," Sasuke said.
A moment of silence passed before Sakura blurted out something that'd been on her mind for days, "May I ask a question?"
"Of course." Sasuke twirled his fiance before pulling her back into the previous stance, dark eyes studying her every move.
The pinkette felt warm and antsy but managed to get the words out, "Have I done something to upset you? We were getting along well, I feel, until a few days ago."
The prince's neutral expression fell into a frown, "What?"
'I shouldn't have said anything. I probably just ruined the night for him.' She shook her head quickly, "It's nothing. I'm sorry. Please forget I mentioned it." 'He hasn't harmed me before, but I also haven't spent much time in his presence. Will he punish me for bringing up something uncomfortable?'
"Sakura…."
Their eyes met, only for the song to come to an end and the room to applaud the band. The same butler from before reappeared to hand the couple new glasses. Then, the pair was busy introducing themselves to anyone and everyone who approached, making their way around the room. Sakura stayed by Sasuke's side, speaking only when spoken to and quietly sipping her drink.
'If I do well for the rest of the night, maybe he won't be as angry.'
An hour passed, and then two, and then Sasuke suddenly gasped, snapping the pinkette out of her daze. She looked up to see his jaw flexing, a flash of red crossing his eyes as he lowered them so the group of people surrounding them wouldn't notice.
'He's changing! I have to get him out of here before someone notices!' Swallowing her fear, Sakura slid her hand from the crook of his elbow to his hand, where she interlaced their fingers, "Lord Sasuke, can we take a short break? I need a breath of fresh air."
His eyes widened, black again for the moment before he nodded. They bowed to the few paying attention and excused themselves from the large room. Halfway toward the exit, Sasuke stumbled, a hiss passing his lips as his fingers tightened between hers. Sakura slowed, glancing around at the staring lords and ladies.
She whispered, "If you lean on me, they'll only think its because of the champagne."
The prince glared straight ahead but smoothly wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
'He's so warm,' she thought, shyly wrapping her own arm around his waist to help support some of his weight while he suffered the pain of Akuma's taking over.
Once out of the ballroom and down the hallway a bit, the prince gasped in pain, allowing some of it to show since they were alone, "I should've paid closer attention to the time."
He nearly doubled over, but Sakura stumbled to help him remain upright. Her eyes landed on a nearby door, and she guided him toward it in a hurry, glancing behind them to ensure no one was watching, "Let's go in here until the shift has passed."
To her disdain, it was only a small broom closet, but it'd have to do. Sakura helped Sasuke lean against the back wall, holding one of his hands to show support while keeping the other on his waist in the event that he began to fall so she could try to help.
He panted, a thin sheen of sweat appearing on his skin in the darkness. When he spoke, his voice was raspy and weak, "How is it that crowds can intimidate you, yet you're able to help me with something like this as though it's natural?"
She shook her head, wincing in empathy when a small sound passed his lips, "I couldn't just stand by and watch you suffer," she unconsciously lifted her hand from his waist to push his hair from his face as it'd begun to fall from it's styled position, "Besides, it's not your fault you were cursed. You shouldn't have to go through this alone."
Sasuke absently leaned into her touch, his eyes half-lidded.
Sakura gasped when his free hand gently met her lower back to pull her against him. A bright blush met her face, "...My Lord?"
The man's mouth opened, but no words came out. Then, it was as though the breath in his body disappeared. What was once black became a glowing red, and the hold he had around her became firmer. Akuma's familiar tone met her ears; the prince's once gentle expression morphing into something confident and devilish, "How pathetic. The prince must rely on the help of something like you to maintain appearances. I could laugh."
Her blush paled, "Akuma. You're awake."
His glowing gaze looked over her, his lips turning up into a grin, "You look…"
'Oh, no. Please don't talk about my outfit.'
"You look like you want to be devoured, Sacrifice. Is tonight the night you offer me your innocence?"
"It's too soon for you to kill me. I'm sure Lord Sasuke doesn't consider me someone he holds dear," Sakura, as always, didn't understand most of what the demon said, "When the time comes, I don't mind if you're the one to do it. Please be patient."
Akuma chuckled, "I have many things to teach, and you have many things to learn."
He studied the nervous woman's face for a moment before she couldn't stand it any longer and tried to pull away, "We should return to the party before people notice and begin looking for us."
"Not so fast, Pet."
She froze in her struggle against his hold, "Huh?"
The demon lowered his voice, leaning in to brush the tip of his nose against the petrified woman's, "You're forgetting to show respect to your master."
"My apologies, Akuma," Sakura began pulling again, to no avail, "I'll bow to you if you release me."
The hand holding hers disappeared to swiftly run up her back and get tangled in her curly hair.
She gasped when he tugged so she'd lift her chin. His voice was low as he searched her face, "You pressing your forehead to the floor is no longer sufficient." Sakura opened her mouth to ask what he wanted, but he cut her off. "Watching that coward miss opportunities left and right today has left me aggravated and unsatisfied."
The hand on the woman's back lowered to squeeze her bottom, making her squeak in surprise. "And watching you look at him like he's God's greatest gift to Earth is just as irritating."
"Akuma, what are you-" "Kiss me."
'What did he just say?'
"K-Kiss you?!"
He glared, the red in his eyes flaring up with his impatience, "Even an uneducated child knows what a kiss is. Do it, or I'll go into that ballroom and use this body to ruin the prince's reputation with those filthy humans."
Sakura didn't dare call his bluff, remembering how carelessly he'd murdered Butler Yamamoto. Tears welled up as she searched his face, "Just one, right?"
Akuma grinned affirmatively.
Trembling from head to toe, the pinkette nervously cupped his cheek, eyes searching his carefully as she rose to her tiptoes. He watched her every move until she squeezed her eyes closed and kissed his cheek, a humiliated and scared heat flooding her face, chest, and stomach.
When she pulled away moments later, Akuma's amused expression was gone. Instead, he seemed bewildered.
Before she could say anything, he whispered, his breath tickling her face since they'd yet to part, "This once, I'll let that suffice as we're needed elsewhere, but the next time you're in my arms like this, I won't allow you to escape so easily."